Can the White Sox Find Hidden Gems to Build Their Future Success?

The Chicago White Sox are at a crucial juncture in their quest to establish a competitive era, and the key will lie in their ability to unearth All-Star talent or reliable starters from unexpected sources. This is a challenge that Rick Hahn and his team struggled with during the 2017-2019 seasons, where the lack of support from the roster hindered their prospects’ abilities to shine simultaneously upon reaching the majors.

Reflecting on successful teams, it’s evident that championships often hinge on players who defy expectations. For instance, the 2016 Cubs wouldn’t have claimed the title without the contributions of Jake Arrieta. Similarly, the Astros saw pivotal performances from players like José Altuve, who was once barely a Top 100 prospect, and Dallas Keuchel, who was never on a prospect list. The Orioles may have faltered in their pursuit, but they had their moment thanks to the emergence of Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins, who collectively delivered over 500 extra-base hits over five years.

As the White Sox look to rebuild after dismantling the core that brought them the 2021 AL Central title, there’s a sense of optimism. Few anticipated that Shane Smith would emerge as a Top 3 starter, nor did many foresee Colson Montgomery’s remarkable transformation from being labeled a bust to potentially becoming a standout player. In the coming weeks, I’ll delve into five players on the Sox roster who could serve as unexpected building blocks, exploring the implications of their success for the team.

Let’s dive into the statistics of three promising Sox players from July 3 onward last year. Player A, with an impressive slugging percentage, is none other than Colson Montgomery. Player B is Kyle Teel, whose future potential has generated considerable excitement, especially as a solid receiver behind the plate. Player C is Brooks Baldwin, who returned to the majors on July 1 and held his own among the Sox’s young talent, nearly matching Montgomery’s impressive second-half performance.

To understand Baldwin’s growth, we can look at his performance between his demotion in May and his recall in July. The short answer? He learned to elevate fastballs instead of grounding them. In fact, I was surprised to find footage of Baldwin hitting a Spencer Strider fastball to the opposite field, an impressive feat against a pitcher known for his high-velocity four-seamers.

While Baldwin’s bat speed may not be elite, he consistently makes solid contact, recording above-average exit velocities at every level. After returning from Charlotte, his fly ball percentage soared from 30% to 48%, indicating a significant improvement in his ability to drive the ball. However, there’s still concern about his tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone, a habit that could limit his effectiveness against breaking balls.

Despite these challenges, Baldwin has a wider range of potential outcomes than he is often credited for. While defensive metrics have not favored him, he boasts impressive sprint speed, ranking in the 82nd percentile, which could allow him to play various positions effectively. In contrast to Lenyn Sosa, whose defensive limitations may cap his ceiling, Baldwin has room to grow and improve.

If Baldwin can replicate his performance from July through September this season, he could emerge as a switch-hitting contributor with a wRC+ around 120. He may not lock down a regular position but would provide valuable depth, potentially approaching a 20-20 season if given enough opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2026, the White Sox may find themselves with a player like Baldwin, someone who could surprise everyone. While it’s easy to expect the organization’s top prospects to meet their potential, history shows that it’s equally likely that unexpected contributors will emerge. The future competitiveness of the White Sox will depend not only on players like Teel, Edgar Quero, and Montgomery but also on the development of players like Baldwin, who could become a crucial piece of the puzzle.

While there’s a possibility that Baldwin could regress to his earlier struggles, the potential for growth remains significant. If he can build on his late-season success, the dynamics of the White Sox roster could shift dramatically in the coming months.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.